The Sri Lanka Core Group on Tuesday called for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and urged stronger action on accountability and human rights reforms, delivering a joint statement at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The statement, delivered by the United Kingdom’s Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders on behalf of Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the UK, extended condolences to Sri Lanka for lives lost in Cyclone Ditwah in November.

The group acknowledged steps taken by the government to allow communities to commemorate losses from the conflict era, describing memorialisation as vital to reconciliation, and encouraged continued progress.

However, it reiterated its call for the repeal and non-use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, stating that the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill raises greater concerns than previous versions. It said counter-terrorism legislation must comply with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.

Full statement:

This statement is on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group: Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the UK.

We extend condolences to Sri Lanka for the loss caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November.
We acknowledge the government’s steps to allow communities of different backgrounds to commemorate losses from the conflict era. Memorialisation is vital to reconciliation, and we encourage continued progress.

We reiterate our call for the repeal, and non‑use, of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The latest version of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill raises even greater concerns than previously. Counter-terrorism legislation must comply with Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations.

While some military‑held land has been released, the pace of releases remains too slow. We note recent commitments by the President on transitional justice, anti‑racism, and emblematic human rights cases; however, concrete results are still limited. Key institutions remain weak, and threats against witnesses, victims, and journalists associated with cases persist.

Strong, independent domestic institutions are vital to uphold human rights. The planned independent prosecutor’s office must be translated into action.

Finally, we thank OHCHR for its report on conflict‑related sexual violence and honour those who shared their experiences. We urge Sri Lanka to engage constructively, strengthen legal protections, and ensure justice for survivors. (Newswire)

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